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Animals in War: Unseen Impact of Conflict on Pets and Wildlife
Guest Contributor
The upcoming film Animals in War is drawing international attention not just for its cinematic storytelling, but for its powerful message about the often unseen victims of conflict: animals. Supported by Save Pets of Ukraine, a humanitarian initiative founded by Ukrainian pet food company Kormotech, the anthology will premiere June 8 at the Tribeca Festival in New York. Actor Sean Penn is expected to attend the event, which highlights the devastating effects of war on pets and wildlife alike.
Animals in War is a co-production between Ukrainian and German filmmakers and features seven short films, most of which are based on true stories. The opening segment is directed by Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi, best known for his acclaimed film The Tribe. With contributions from approximately 500 creatives worldwide and a soundtrack that includes music by Imagine Dragons, the project is an ambitious and emotionally resonant exploration of how animals endure and survive in times of conflict.
Producer Oleg Kokhan emphasized the film’s deeper message, stating, “The way a nation treats animals is a clear marker of its level of civilization.” He added that the collaboration with Save Pets of Ukraine and Kormotech exemplifies how socially responsible business and the arts can unite to spotlight urgent global issues. That partnership is a central theme of the film’s mission, which aims to raise awareness and compassion for animals affected by war.
Save Pets of Ukraine was established in 2022 in response to the growing humanitarian crisis following the outbreak of war. Operated through the U-Hearts Foundation, the initiative focuses on supporting animal shelters and volunteers working in some of the most affected areas. In 2023 alone, the organization reported caring for over 26,000 dogs and 20,000 cats. As the conflict has continued, demand for their services has surged.
According to a joint study conducted by Kormotech and Save Pets of Ukraine, shelter and volunteer capacity in frontline regions has increased by as much as 100 percent. In response to the growing need, the organization has delivered 1,900 tons of pet food, facilitated over 21,000 vaccinations, and helped rehome more than 2,000 displaced animals. These figures speak to the scale of the crisis, as well as the determination of those working to mitigate its impact on animal life.
Rostyslav Vovk, CEO and co-founder of Kormotech, explained how the company’s support for the film reflects its broader values. “Animals in War draws attention to a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of war — its impact on the environment and animal life,” he said. “For us, supporting the creation of Animals in War is a natural extension of our mission as a pet food producer: to foster a responsible attitude toward animals and to make their lives better.”
To coincide with the film’s release, Save Pets of Ukraine is launching a fundraising campaign titled “We save animals — animals save us.” A QR code linking to the donation page will appear during the film’s credits, offering viewers a tangible way to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts. This initiative not only raises funds but also strengthens the emotional connection between audiences and the animals whose stories are being told on screen.
Kormotech, founded in 2003, manufactures pet food under brands such as Optimeal, Club 4 Paws, and Miau!. With production facilities in both Ukraine and the European Union, the company distributes its products to 51 countries and reported $162.7 million in revenue in 2024. Its involvement in this project underscores a growing trend among businesses to engage in meaningful social impact work beyond their core commercial activities.
I found this detail striking: the film’s use of real stories and its collaboration with hundreds of international creatives suggest a shared global concern for animal welfare in crisis zones. The fact that such a film is premiering at a major festival like Tribeca indicates that these stories are not only important but also resonate widely across cultures and borders.
As Animals in War prepares to make its debut, it serves as both an artistic achievement and a call to action. Through its vivid storytelling and humanitarian partnerships, the film invites viewers to consider the far-reaching consequences of war — not just for people, but for the animals who share our lives and landscapes.